Aesthetic reconstructive surgery: Patient access to essential care requires expanded definitions

Abstract

Nearly 10 years ago, when plastic surgeons in California engaged in long and hard-fought legislative battles to mandate third-party coverage of appropriate reconstructive procedures, we included a definition of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery in the bill to minimize misinterpretation: > “Reconstructive surgery” means surgery performed to correct or repair abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease to do either of the following: (1) to improve function, or (2) to create a normal appearance, to the extent possible. “Cosmetic surgery” means surgery that is performed to alter or reshape normal structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance.1 The resulting legislation is still one of the most comprehensive and effective in the nation. Innumerable patients have received necessary and appropriate treatment as a result of this landmark legislation, which is a great benefit to society and, ultimately, a great benefit to the specialty of plastic surgery. Notably, plastic surgeons still retain the right to choose whether to participate in third-party payer plans. After the California victory, Federal legislation in the form of the Women's Health and Cancer …